Re-Evaluate

Are you drowning? Be honest. Are you just hanging on from day to day and can’t remember the last time you truly relaxed?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, you need to sit down and do some figuring. I guarantee there are some ways to lighten the load…let’s get to it.
I’ll pose some questions. Notice that they are not yes/no questions…you can’t say no…just try some of these, any of these, to get yourself a little more time…or infuse the time you’re devoting to chores with some fun.
- Who can you call on for some help? When you ask them, be specific and start small. Then praise the heck out of them for any little bit they did to contribute.
- Which chores can you start having another member of your family help with? In some cases, this person can even be your special kiddo…they have lots of abilities too.

- Which responsibilities do you now carry that are optional? Let’s get rid of those…some other mom can help the teacher with copying or raise money for the PTA.
- How can you infuse joy into the parts of your day that really need it? Is there a great show you can stream while you fold laundry? Does your commute to work long for some audible listens or some good tunes? You do you, but find at least one way to get some fun in there, even while you’re doing something un-fun.
- Who do you miss connecting with and how soon can you shoot them a text with a fun message? Maybe send an old high-school friend a text or reach out to an old co-worker. I’ll often just send a screenshot of a facebook post that made me think of them…I keep it light, but it helps me feel connected.
- How soon can you throw on some old-school dance music and let loose with the kids? Be silly. The dishes will wait.
Speaking of dishes, if you’re really in a bad spot, the world will not screech to a halt if you need to use paper plates and cups for a while. I really want you to take the time to evaluate how you can make your life easier. This is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re showing up and doing what needs to be done, now make sure that you’re carving out some time for things that bring you joy.
Share This Post


About the Author
Erica Mauro is a mom to two teenage boys, Will who is neurotypical and Michael with Autism and cognitive delays. She holds a BA in Psychology from Colgate University and a Masters of Psychology in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College. Before staying home with her children, she worked as an elementary school teacher. For five years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, a charity dedicated to enriching the lives of children with special needs. In partnership with her husband Dave, she aspires to parent by using daily life as an opportunity for therapeutic intervention, seizing on real experiences as opportunities to build skills and strategies for Michael in a joyful, loving home environment. On the tougher early days, she just tried to get everyone safely to bedtime and start fresh in the morning. *wink*
Let's Connect
Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates